Strike Planned to Protest Arrests of Activists
From Times Wire Reports
Nepal’s main political parties called a nationwide strike to protest the arrests of hundreds of people who demonstrated in the capital to demand that King Gyanendra restore democracy.
The alliance of seven political parties opposing Gyanendra’s direct rule said it would hold the strike Thursday.
The strike declaration came as hundreds of riot police officers fired tear gas and beat democracy activists who defied a ban on rallies in Katmandu to protest the king’s seizure of power nearly a year ago.
At least 50 demonstrators were injured in the clashes. Police arrested at least 300 of the protesters.